In a customer survey done by Consumer Reports, Wegmans has been voted the number 1 most popular super-market from where the Americans purchase their food. Wegmans has won top marks for freshness, baked goods, and overall shopping experience.

Wegmans won this title after beating the local favorites, including Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. On the list, Joe’s stood at number 3 spot, whereas Whole Foods shockingly landed at the 15th spot on the list. Whole Foods ranked even behind the cut-rate chain Aldi and bulk store Costco.

The magazine’s research was done with around 63,000 of its readers regarding their personal shopping habits and preferences.

The participants of the survey ranked their local markets and stores on the basis of categories, including cost of food, the cleanliness and freshness of the establishments, and the staff courtesy.

According to the shoppers, Whole Foods has some of the freshest produce in America, whereas Trader Joe’s has organic products with extremely reasonable price.

They mentioned that at Walmart Supercenter, there were a few rotten apples spoiling the basket. It ranked number 67 out of 68 because of a rude employee staff.

Richard George, known for being a food-industry expert, said, “There has been a tremendous evolution in the term ‘fresh’ as it applies to super­markets”.

Jim Hertel, managing partner at supermarket-industry consultant Willard Bishop, said that rejection over excessively processed and packaged foods among younger consumers has grown with time.

Youngsters, these days, are suspicious about food additives and they prefer to buy gluten-free even if they’re not allergic to gluten.

Jo Natale, Wegmans’ vice president of media relations said that their employees are their secret sauce. Natale also pointed out that the chain is family-owned and not publicly traded. Due to which, they can take a long-range view, invest in people, and grow at a controlled rate.